Research Associate (Bioengineering)

Location: On-site in San Francisco, California, United States

Salary: $95K–$120K per year, plus equity

Company

hirify.global is a frontier research lab developing brain-computer interfaces that combine high-bandwidth brain interaction with advanced AI, with a focus on safety and accessibility.

What you will do

• Develop and optimize plate-based assays across molecular biology and cell biology for reproducibility and scalability.
• Translate validated assays into automated workflows and establish SOPs with program teams.
• Train users, transfer methods for routine execution, and improve experimental workflows.
• Identify experimental variability and improve assay performance and robustness with scientists.
• Prepare samples, reagents, and cell cultures; execute experiments; operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments.
• Perform initial quality control on experimental data and maintain records, sample metadata, inventory, and a safe, organized laboratory environment.

Requirements

• BS, BA, or MS in Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Strong hands-on experience in assay development and high-throughput screening, including designing, optimizing, validating, and executing plate-based assays at scale.
• Depth in at least one area: AAV production and analytics, including mammalian cell transfection, viral purification, and qPCR-based titering; cell biology, including cell culture, transfection or transduction, and plate-based cell viability or function assessment; or molecular biology, including PCR/qPCR assay development, nucleic-acid preparation and quantification, or sequencing library preparation.
• Experience with laboratory automation and a systematic approach to troubleshooting and improving experimental workflows.
• Strong written documentation and communication skills, with a collaborative approach to working across scientific and engineering disciplines.

Nice to have

• Experience culturing and handling primary or iPSC-derived neurons, including plate-based assays of neuronal viability or function.
• Hands-on experience with Hamilton, Tecan, Opentrons, or other liquid handlers.
• Familiarity with Python, R, or another scripting or data-analysis language.
• Experience with LIMS, ELNs, sample-tracking systems, or automated data pipelines.

Culture & Benefits

• Early, hands-on work building shared infrastructure from the ground up.
• Work spanning bench science, instrument integration, and process design.
• Collaboration across scientific and engineering disciplines.
• Equity offered as part of compensation.